Director of Sales

Company Description

Recognized as the #1 Best Canadian Hotel in Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's Best Awards, Fairmont Empress is located in Victoria, BC, overlooking the city's sparkling Inner Harbour. A Forbes recommended and MICHELIN key hotel that offers 431 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Fairmont Spa with signature West Coast experiences, and Q at the Empress featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine, an award-winning wine list, and regionally focused cocktail culture. World-famous Tea at the Empress is served in the Lobby Lounge with stunning harbour views.

The magnificent property completed a $60+ million restoration in 2017 that celebrated its proud history while moving the hotel into a new era of modern luxury and transforming the iconic property into a must-visit destination. In 2023, the property introduced a revamped Fairmont Gold Experience, including a major renovation to the Fairmont Gold floor. 88 Fairmont Gold rooms and a newly renovated lounge are ready to accommodate guests. Located on Vancouver Island, Canada's Castle on the Coast is the ideal starting point to explore British Columbia's stunning natural and expansive beauty. Historic Hotels Worldwide recognizes the property's prestigious grounds as the Top 25 Most Magnificent Gardens in the World.

Job Description

What is in it for you:

• Wonderful company culture – our colleagues are at the heart of all we do
• Excellent training with the opportunity to build a successful career
• Career development opportunities with national and international promotion opportunities
• Learning programs through our Academies designed to sharpen your skills
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates at Accor properties worldwide and additional benefits for Fairmont and Raffles colleagues
• Exclusive Employee and Friends & Family Discounts at Fairmont Empress
• Exclusive access to the Pacific Northwest Food & Beverage Discount Program with 50% off at our dining destinations in Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler
• Complimentary meal during your shift through our Colleague Dining Program
• Complimentary uniform laundering
• Access to our comprehensive benefits and wellness programs, including extended healthcare benefits and RMT, dental, vision.
• Complimentary counseling, wellness sessions, financial and family planning through our Employee Assistance Program
• Access to our company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP)
• Opportunity to develop your talent through coaching and our Leadership Mentoring Programs
• Opportunity to participate in our Leadership Incentive Program
• Sales incentive Plan
• Competitive salary starting at $98,000

What you will be doing:

Reporting to the Director of Sales & Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide strategic leadership to the sales team and mentor direct reports
• Assisting in the development of sales strategies and overseeing the execution of plans and tactics to increase direct revenue across all segments
• Ability to set goals and ensure that the team consistently deliver on goals that are set
• Work closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing and assist with the budget, marketing plans and special projects
• Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities
• Ensure seamless communication between the sales team and other hotel departments
• Participate in industry events and networking opportunities to enhance the hotel's visibility
• Conduct site visits, sales trips, and FAM trips to promote hotel products and services
• Assist in recruiting, selecting, and training new sales team members
• Handle high-level client negotiations and resolve complex customer issues
• Strong knowledge of the Group segment (primary) Transient, Tour and BT markets (secondary)
• Work closely with the Fairmont Global Sales team and leverage all Corporate resources

Qualifications

Your experience and skills include:

• Proficiency in organizational planning, implementation and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Minimum of five years hotel sales management experience preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree and/or Hotel Management Degree preferred
• Must be results oriented with ability to be flexible
• Ability to understand and interpret financial data
• Positive attitude and supportive, team based approach towards the attainment of the hotel's goals
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours and days
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite of products
• Working knowledge of Opera Sales & Catering a plus

Additional Information

Visa Requirements: Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. The hotel is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.

Your team and working environment: Welcome to Canada’s Castle on the Coast. The Empress Hotel sits proudly at the centre of culture and history in Victoria, British Columbia. This is the best of all worlds – where contrast meets distinction, opulence blends harmoniously with the understated and fabled history meshes with contemporary affairs. This award-winning Victoria hotel and National Historic Site is an alluring blend of classic and contemporary, vintage and cutting-edge: Where Modern meets Iconic. Come join our wonderful team of hospitality experts!

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS